Sphenomorphus loriae

Sphenomorphus loriae is a species of lizard in the subfamily Sphenomorphinae of the family Scincidae (skinks). The species is endemic to Papua New Guinea.^[2]

Sphenomorphus loriae
Drawing of Sphenomorphus loriae
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Scinciformata
Infraorder:	Scincomorpha
Family:	Sphenomorphidae
Genus:	Sphenomorphus
Species:	S. loriae
Binomial name
Sphenomorphus loriae (Boulenger, 1897)
Synonyms[2]
Lygosoma loriae Boulenger, 1897

Etymology

The specific name, loriae, is in honor of Italian ethnologist Lamberto Loria.^[3]: 160

Description

Dorsally, S.loriae is blackish brown, flecked and vermiculated with lighter yellowish brown. Ventrally, it is yellowish. The holotype has a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 66 mm (2.6 in), and a regenerated tail 77 mm (3.0 in) long. ^[4]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of S. loriae is forest, at altitudes of 1,000–1,500 m (3,300–4,900 ft).^[1]